Beverages / Non-Alcoholic Drinks

When we wake up, most of us wake up with a cup of an aromatic filter coffee or tea; a glass of cold drink is the most satisfying thing on a hot summer afternoon; thick creamy milk shake is every child’s dream when he or she returns from school and a warm or a chill drink is the first thing that we offer our guests. Such is the importance of drinks or beverages in any regional, national or even international menu card. Fundamentally, a beverage is a type of liquid that we consume to quench thirst and sometimes to give us energy and keep our stomach full.

For hundreds of thousands of years beverages were restricted to water or milk and perhaps juice extracted from fruits. Then there were many varieties of tea, coffee, cock tails etc. Now in this era we have an expanding list of beverages or drink by means of which we can satisfy our thirst or cravings in countless different ways. From the times known to us, Indian cuisine always boasted an array of drinks that are both unique and refreshing. These drinks catered to the seasonal change, availability of local ingredients, nutrition quotient and even the age of an individual. Since the last decade, there also has been a considerable rise in consumption of processed artificial drinks and aerated beverages like Pepsi, coca-cola, maaza and many more. These drinks are extremely harmful for our health as they largely comprise of only artificial sugars which may lead to obesity, diabetes and many other lifestyle related health diseases. I think it is time now that we get back to our roots and enjoy our traditional, tasty and healthy drinks in its most natural way.

Cold Beverages

Fresh Juices

Juice can come in as many varieties as the fruits and vegetables available to us. Fruits and vegetable juices are not only refreshing to us but are also very beneficial for health due to their vitamin and mineral content. In fact research say that juices have concentrated nutrients that you can fill some of our vitamins and minerals with a single cup. Most juices are rich in vitamins and anti oxidants and minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorous. Now who would deny a freshly prepared juice??

Milk Shakes & Smoothies

Milk shakes and smoothies are satiating drinks that can be had for breakfast, mid day snack, evening snack or even to replenish vital nutrients after a strenuous work out. It is so filling that if one is feeling lazy to make breakfast, this is a quick fix. Made with fruits and milk or yoghurt, these are a good way to get the necessary nutrients at any time of the day. Get set to replace junky snacks and aerated drinks with a mango milk shake or an exotic avocado milk shake or even a green smoothie.

Buttermilk Beverages

Butter milk is an indispensable drink in all the regional cuisines of India. Though many people consume butter milk in its actual form they can be blended with several other ingredients to make many new interesting recipes. Buttermilk is a great source of calcium, potassium, B-vitamins and probiotics which helps the digestive system and strengthens the immune system. Now, bring on buttermilk in its revived version in your meal.

Hot Beverages

Tea and coffee are the most widely consumed beverages in the world. In Indian cuisine, a freshly brewed filter coffee is the most sought amongst south Indians and a cup of simmering of hot tea is sought by people of north India. Apple cider is also gaining popularity due to its health benefits and its role in aiding weight loss.

Healthy Herbal Drinks

These are grandma’s favorite and made from the simplest herbs from our kitchen to cure any ailments from cold, cough to stomach ailments and digestive disorders. Many a times these drinks are also consumed to detoxify and cleanse our system and strengthen and our body from within.